HR Leadership Development Program Associate

Polaris • Huntsville, MN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Polaris Human Resources Leadership Development Program (HRLDP) is a three-year program designed to accelerate the development of future HR leaders by providing broad exposure across key areas of Human Resources. Associates complete three one-year rotations, building business acumen, leadership capability, and functional HR expertise. Rotations can include HR Business Partner, HR Generalist, and Center of Excellence experiences, tailored to business needs, individual interests, and development goals. Upon completion, graduates transition into full-time HR-related positions within the business, contingent on business needs and demonstrated skills. The program offers mentorship, structured development opportunities, networking with peers and leaders, an Early Talent Summit Week, community engagement opportunities, and end-of-rotation/program presentations to senior leaders.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, or other related business degree with a graduation date between August 2026 and May 2027.
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
• Ability to commit to working 40 hours per week.
• Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) and not require sponsorship for employment now or in the future.
• Willingness to travel and relocate between sites for rotations, and be mobile beyond the rotational program.
• Reliable transportation for daily commuting to and from the office.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software: Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, SharePoint.
• Demonstrated leadership experience through student organizations, work experiences, athletics, volunteer activities, or other involvement.
• Demonstrated strengths in analysis, creative problem-solving, communication, interpersonal relationships, self-motivation, and leadership.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and a desire to continuously learn and grow.

Nice To Haves

• Previous internship, co-op, leadership, or relevant project experience.
• Strong interest in Human Resources, talent development, organizational effectiveness, or employee experience.
• Interest in understanding how people, teams, and organizations drive business success.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze information, solve problems, and make recommendations.
• Exposure to HR concepts through coursework, internships, student organizations, or projects.
• Participation in SHRM, student leadership organizations, case competitions, or other professional development activities.
• Strong interest in long-term career growth and future leadership opportunities within Polaris.

Responsibilities

• Partner with business leaders to align talent strategies with organizational goals, support workforce initiatives, and drive business performance (HR Business Partner).
• Support frontline manufacturing or distribution operations through employee relations, workforce planning, leader coaching, and day-to-day HR partnership (HR Generalist).
• Help design and deliver enterprise-wide HR programs, systems, and strategies that support employees, leaders, and HR teams across Polaris (Center of Excellence).
• Present career aspirations and recap rotational experiences to senior leaders.
• Participate in a 3-day Early Talent Summit Week for professional development, networking, and executive speakers.
• Get involved in local community engagement opportunities.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Analyze information, solve problems, and make recommendations.

Benefits

• Mentorship program
• Structured and self-guided learning opportunities
• Networking opportunities with peers and leaders
• Early Talent Summit Week
• Community engagement opportunities
• Generous 401K employee contribution matching program
• Pay for Performance
• Annual Profit-Sharing bonuses
• Tuition Reimbursement program
• Relocation program (lump sum payment, self-haul moving package, lease cancellation/duplicate housing reimbursement, relocation counselor)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Wellness programs
• Paid time off
• Gym & personal training reimbursement
• Life insurance
• Disability offerings
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Discounted employee stock purchases plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree